DEP warns drivers of moose on southern Connecticut roadways

Chris Bosak

Published
8:00 pm EDT, Tuesday, May 31, 2011

From CT DEP

In the wake of recent moose sightings in the vicinity of roadways, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) urges drivers to use extra caution. DEP wildlife and law enforcement officials said motorists on the Merrit Parkway and Interstate 84 in western Connecticut should be extra vigilant as moose have been reported in these areas.

On Monday, May 30 DEP Environmental Conservation Police responded to a moose sighting near Route 25 and the Merritt Parkway and moose have been reported near I-84 near Waterbury and Bethel in the last week.

The DEP encourages residents to report moose sightings to the DEP’s 24-hour dispatch line at (860) 424-3333.

Connecticut’s moose population continues to grow steadily and the DEP estimates that more than 100 currently reside in the state, primarily in the northern towns where most of the moose-related accidents have occurred. However, individual moose can travel long distances, which means they will continue to expand southward into populated areas where vehicle traffic density is much higher.

As a consequence, the likelihood of hitting a moose on Connecticut roadways is expected to increase in southern portions of the state. A moose was struck and killed on the Merritt Parkway in New Canaan in June of

Tips for Driving in Areas Where Moose Are Spotted:

1. Stay alert, especially around dawn, dusk and after dark when moose are most active. Because moose are 6 feet tall at the shoulders, your headlights typically will not show any "eye shine" from a moose,

2. Use caution during spring (May-July) and fall (September-November). During these months, moose are most active,

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